Dhaka, April 8, 2026: The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) convened a meeting of its Energy and Power Subcommittee to discuss Bangladesh’s evolving energy landscape and explore future opportunities for sustainable sector growth.
A focused group discussion was held at the Sheraton Hotel Dhaka in Banani, bringing together leading industry stakeholders, policymakers and experts to exchange insights and identify practical solutions for the country’s energy challenges.
Speaking at the event, AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed emphasized the importance of coordinated short-, medium- and long-term strategies for the sector. He said AmCham plans to compile stakeholder feedback and submit recommendations to relevant government ministries, stressing the value of a consultative approach in shaping energy policies.
AmCham Vice President and President of Chevron Bangladesh, Eric Walker, noted that Bangladesh’s energy demand could double or even triple within the next 15 to 20 years. He called for renewed drilling efforts and stronger government support for exploration, alongside a diversified energy strategy that includes additional LNG terminals, expanded onshore and offshore exploration and increased solar investment.
Country Manager of Excelerate Energy, Habib Bhuyian, warned that prolonged reliance on expensive spot LNG purchases could have serious economic consequences. He also suggested measures such as standardizing electric rickshaws, introducing solar-charged interchangeable battery systems, adjusting office and school hours seasonally, and providing incentives for energy-efficient household appliances as part of demand-side management.
Vice Chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh, M Tamim, stressed the importance of increasing domestic energy production. He noted that boosting output from existing gas fields could take two to five years, while new exploration projects would take even longer. Tamim suggested engaging international reservoir management firms to optimize gas production and called for clear policy decisions on domestic coal development. He also highlighted renewable energy as a fast-track solution, suggesting Bangladesh could add 3,000 MW of solar power by 2030, along with 2,000 MW from rooftop installations.
Managing Director of SOLshare, Sebastian Groh, recommended rationalizing duties on solar and energy storage technologies, ensuring effective disbursement of green finance and formalizing electric three-wheelers through proper licensing and regulation to unlock financing and support grid stability.
Industry participants also emphasized scaling up renewable energy—particularly rooftop solar—by improving financing mechanisms, raising loan limits and removing regulatory barriers. They called for modernization of the national grid to enable net metering and electricity buyback systems, as well as stronger support for industrial decarbonization through energy-efficient technologies.
The discussion also highlighted the need for a comprehensive energy strategy covering fuel supply, power generation and transmission infrastructure. Experts recommended diversifying energy sources, expanding LNG and LPG infrastructure through private sector participation, strengthening transmission and distribution networks, and promoting regional energy cooperation.
Representatives from leading energy companies—including Energypac Power Generation, Omera Petroleum, United Power, Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), GE Vernova and Delta LPG—participated in the meeting along with policy analysts from LightCastle Partners and PwC Bangladesh.
Officials from the United States Embassy in Bangladesh, including Commercial Counselor Paul Frost, also attended the session, along with business leaders such as Fazlul Haque, former president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
Participants concluded that stronger public–private collaboration, policy reforms and investment in cleaner technologies will be essential to ensure Bangladesh’s long-term energy security and sustainable growth.
